8th International Conference on Hyperacusis and Misophonia (ICHM8)

Scientific programme 

The 8th International Conference on Hyperacusis and Misophonia (ICHM8) represents a landmark gathering of researchers, clinicians, and lived experience experts dedicated to the understanding and treatment of sound intolerance conditions. As the field has evolved, so too has the need for a more structured approach to organising the wealth of emerging research, clinical insights, and interdisciplinary contributions. To meet this need, ICHM8 is organised around a series of clearly defined scientific tracks.

Scientific tracks are thematic pathways that allow for focused exploration of key domains. Each track brings together related research presentations, symposia, and discussions, enabling participants to engage deeply with the most pressing questions and developments within specific areas. This format enhances the coherence of the conference programme, facilitates networking and collaboration, and promotes meaningful dialogue between specialists and generalists alike.

For ICHM8, the use of scientific tracks reflects the complexity and interdisciplinarity of hyperacusis and misophonia. These conditions are no longer viewed solely through the lens of audiology or psychology. Instead, they demand input from neuroscience, medicine, education, social science, philosophy, and the arts. Our track structure mirrors this diversity, creating space for both established research areas and emerging perspectives.

By design, the tracks highlight:

• The core mechanisms and neurophysiological substrates of sound intolerance.
• The clinical realities and innovations in audiological and medical management.
• Developmental, psychological, and cultural aspects that shape individual and societal experiences.
• Tools and approaches for diagnosis, measurement, and conceptualisation.

We believe this structure empowers participants to navigate the programme with clarity while encouraging cross-fertilisation of ideas across domains. Whether you are an audiologist, neurologist, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, educator, researcher, or artist, you will find in these tracks a shared language and a platform to contribute to the future of hyperacusis and misophonia care.

Track 2: Audiological Interventions and Service Innovation

This track focuses on the role of audiologists in diagnosing and managing hyperacusis and misophonia. It covers both traditional and emerging sound-based interventions, remote service models, and innovations in care delivery. Presentations may address hearing aids, sound generators, digital therapy platforms, audiologist-led CBT, and collaborative care strategies. The track also invites contributions on service design, implementation science, and training frameworks that empower audiology professionals to lead interdisciplinary solutions for sound intolerance.

• Hearing aids, sound generators, and tinnitus retraining adaptations
• Sound therapy and modified desensitisation for misophonia/hyperacusis
• Digital service delivery: remote, iCBT, smartphone-based programs
• Audiology-led protocols and clinical practice models
• Integrated care pathways and interprofessional service design

Track 4: Children, Adolescents, and Neurodevelopmental Conditions

This track highlights research and clinical approaches to hyperacusis and misophonia in paediatric and neurodivergent populations. Contributions may explore prevalence in autism, ADHD, and APD; impacts on education, language development, and family routines; and interventions tailored to children and adolescents. Multidisciplinary perspectives involving audiology, occupational therapy, psychology, and speech-language therapy are encouraged.

• Sound intolerance in autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders
• Impact on development, learning, and family life
• OT-informed and adapted CBT interventions
• Screening, diagnostic tools, and school-based accommodations
• Developmental trajectories and early intervention frameworks

Track 6: Sociocultural, Philosophical, and Patient Perspectives

This track focuses on the lived experience and broader sociocultural framing of sound intolerance. Papers may explore patient narratives, disability models, stigma, healthcare access, and how culture, art, and philosophy inform our understanding of misophonia and hyperacusis. It also invites critical perspectives, including ethical questions, advocacy, and how to integrate patient voices into research and care.

• Patient narratives, lived experience, and qualitative studies
• Disability frameworks and quality of life assessments
• Sociological and anthropological approaches to sound intolerance
• Cultural depictions, art, and philosophical interpretations of noise aversion
• Advocacy, stigma, and identity in misophonia and hyperacusis

Track 8: Noise Sensitivity, Environmental Factors, and Public Health

This track explores population-level phenomena related to sound intolerance, such as noise sensitivity, and auditory defensiveness, as well as the role of environmental noise exposure. It invites work from public health, epidemiology, occupational health, and urban planning. Broader contextual influences on misophonia and hyperacusis—including sensory overload, noise pollution, and acoustic ecology—are welcome.

• Noise annoyance, noise sensitivity, and environmental sound exposure
• Auditory defensiveness and sensory over-responsiveness
• Relation of these concepts to hyperacusis: Convergent and discriminant validity
• Urban noise policies and occupational health implications
• Epidemiological surveys and population prevalence studies
• Acoustic ecology and restorative soundscapes

Call for Abstracts

We invite you to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations at the 8th International Conference on Hyperacusis and Misophonia (ICHM8), the world’s leading scientific meeting exclusively dedicated to hyperacusis and misophonia research and clinical innovation.

All faculty members and speakers are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and conference registration expenses.

Conference Themes

Submissions are welcome across the following scientific tracks:

Track 1: Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience
Track 2: Audiological Interventions and Service Innovation
Track 3: Medical, Pharmacological, and Surgical Approaches
Track 4: Children, Adolescents, and Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Track 5: Psychological and Multimodal Therapies
Track 6: Sociocultural, Philosophical, and Patient Perspectives
Track 7: Diagnostic Profiles and Psychoacoustic Assessment
Track 8: Noise Sensitivity, Environmental Factors, and Public Health

Submission Details

• Abstract Length: Maximum 300 words
• Format: Structured (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions)
• Deadline for Submission: 15^th February 2026 
• Notification of Acceptance: 15^th March 2026
• Submission Link: [Insert Link or Instructions]

Presentation Types

• Oral Presentations (15–20 minutes)
• Poster Presentations
• Featured Early Career Researcher Session

We welcome submissions from researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and students across audiology, psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, ENT, education, and allied fields.

Be part of the future of hyperacusis and misophonia research. Submit your abstract and join an international community driving innovation and understanding

**Registration and other essential information